The 13th annual Iams Home 4 the Holidays kicked off its annual adoption, which runs until Jan 3. The goal this year is to provide loving homes for more than 1.5 million orphan dogs, cats and other pets with the help of more than 3,500 animal organizations worldwide. Rooney, a four year old German shepherd shows her Christmas spirit.

PHOTO CREDIT - Rhiannon Kay, OurHometown.ca

Mississauga - December 14, 2011 - The 13th annual Iams Home 4 the Holidays kicked off its annual adoption, which runs until Jan 3.

The goal this year is to provide loving homes for more than 1.5 million orphan dogs, cats and other pets with the help of more than 3,500 animal organizations worldwide.

“We are honored that so many organizations worldwide have partnered with us to make this program a success,” said Mike Arms, in a Helen Woodward Animal Center press release. Arms is the founder of the adoption drive and president of Helen Woodward Animal Center.

Some partners of Iams Home 4 the Holidays include Canadian Tire and the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies (CFHS).

“The CFHS works to promote animal welfare for all animals and to promote the work of our member societies,” said Kim Elmslie, communications manager of Canadian Federation of Humane Societies. “Each year thousands of animals are euthanized in Canada because there aren't enough homes, therefore it's vital to us and our member's to raise awareness and promote the benefits of adopting an animal.”

According to Arms, each year about four million orphaned dogs and cats are euthanized due to overcrowding in shelters. That is approximately one pet every eight seconds.

“Since partnering with Iams on the adoption drive 13 years ago, we have really seen the benefit of what this program can do for orphaned animals and the families who adopt,” said Arms.

So far more than 700,000 pets have been adopted through Iams Home 4 the Holidays since Oct 1. “

Since its inception, Iams Home 4 the Holidays has seen 5.8 million pets find loving, forever homes and that truly is a gift that keeps on giving,” said Maria Beatriz Rodriguez, Iams general manager, in the Helen Woodward Animal Center press release.

Every pet deserves a loving and caring family and for first time pet owners who adopt through the program will be provided with an Iams adoption kit. This is equipped with information on nutrition, training and proper care for the new pet.

“We recognize that not everyone is in the position to welcome a pet into their home,” said Rodriguez. “However, we still want to empower consumers to get involved and our Bags 4 Bowls program enables people to do just that.”

Bags 4 Bowls is another part of the Iams Home 4 the Holidays that will provide shelters and rescue centers with food donations. Bag 4 Bowls hopes to donate five million meals to animals in need. Over 3 million meals have been donated so far.

Information on how to adopt and donate is available at iams.com/pet-adoption/home-for-the-holidays.